Posts by Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis

Madeleine Muzdakis is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and a historian of early modern Britain & the Atlantic world. She holds a BA in History and Mathematics from Brown University and an MA in European & Russian Studies from Yale University. Madeleine has worked in archives and museums for years with a particular focus on photography and arts education. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, film photography, and studying law while cuddling with her cat Georgia.
Cityscape Photography
February 28, 2021

Photographer Wanders NYC Streets To Reveal Neo-Noir Stories Hiding in Plain Sight

New York City has always been known for both its glamour and grit. It's this duality that inspires photographer Nicolas Miller; his neo-noir images capture the cinematic nature of everyday life among the overpasses, high-rises, and neon signs. Miller's pursuit of imperfect light and lonely urban corners produce images that invoke the magic of film noir in the modern age.

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Architecture
February 21, 2021

15 Beautiful Cathedrals Around the World That Are Full of History and Spirituality

The world is dotted with beautiful cathedrals. These spaces of Christian worship range from the medieval gothic flying buttresses of Notre Dame in Paris to the lofty concrete modernism of Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasília in Brazil. Classically, a cathedral is a church that hosts the seat of a bishop, a church from which he leads his diocese. Many (but not all) are arranged in a cross pattern—a transept lies across a long nave containing aisles.

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Architecture
February 7, 2021

What Is Hagia Sophia? Learn How This Sacred Space Has Evolved Over Its Long History

The lofty minarets of the Hagia Sophia stand over the skyline of Istanbul, Turkey. The magnificent stone basilica has been a fixture of the ancient city for 1,500 years—with frequent additions and renovations. The spiritual structure has survived empires and transitioned religions. What began as an early Christian basilica eventually became a mosque, then a museum, and is now once more a mosque. An architectural wonder, the Hagia Sophia (meaning “holy wisdom” in Greek)

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.